In a revealing post-race media session at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025, William Byron openly discussed his late-race incident involving Denny Hamlin, offering insights into the crucial moments that shaped the NASCAR Cup Series finale. The William Byron Phoenix interview explored the emotional undertones and aftermath of a tense competition, revealing how both Byron and fellow driver Chase Briscoe coped with the evening’s pressures and setbacks.
The press conference, which followed one of the most intense races of the season, centered on the split-second decisions, technical misfortunes, and the psychological toll of competing for a championship spot. The drivers and media alike sought clarity about what transpired as the hours at Phoenix unfolded.
Byron Grapples with Impact of Late Caution and Apology to Hamlin
When asked why he found it crucial to apologize to Denny Hamlin immediately after the race, William Byron did not hold back in expressing his sense of responsibility. He felt the incident in the final laps—running second, making contact with the wall, and bringing out a caution—bore significant weight on the race outcome.
“I don’t know. It just doesn’t seem right. Yeah, I mean, I think just kind of seeing him, he had beat us, and we’re running second, four laps to go, you go into the wall and cause a caution. It sucks, right? I don’t want to be that guy, even if I’m in the Championship 4. Doesn’t really matter. Don’t want to change the outcome. So it sucks.” – William Byron
Byron’s words reflected a conflicted mindset about sportsmanship and fairness in high-stakes moments, revealing his reluctance to play a decisive role in changing the race’s conclusion.
Technical Breakdown of the Final Laps
Delving into what happened mechanically in turn three, Byron explained a subtle but crucial issue with his car during the closing laps. He described how uncertainty around tire grip played into his effort to maintain his position, culminating in a loss of control as the car laid down unexpectedly on the right side heading into the corner. This incident contributed to the sequence of events that shifted the momentum in the race’s climax.
While Byron hoped the problem was with the left rear tire, which might have been easier to manage, it became clear the right side of the vehicle created a scenario he could not recover from in time, costing him dearly in the face of immense competition.
Chase Briscoe Battles Setbacks and Opportunities Lost
Chase Briscoe, who participated in the same press conference, recounted his turbulent path through the race. Facing repeated challenges that sent him from the back to the front multiple times, Briscoe described the event as an exercise in resilience, expressing disappointment in missed opportunities but pride in his team’s efforts.
“I mean, yeah, a little bit. I mean, I definitely felt like I was more than capable. Just to go from the back to the front that many times. I would have loved to have just been able to race straight up.”
“I got back to second, was able to run William down there. Thought I was really, really good. I blew like the second or third tire.” – Chase Briscoe
Briscoe emphasized how persistent tire issues and repeated resets prevented a clean run for the win, underscoring his belief that their car had race-winning speed if not for these complications. He described a mix of optimism and disappointment as he assessed the season’s ultimate event.
Hamlin’s Advantage on Restarts and Short Runs
Byron addressed why Denny Hamlin appeared dominant, especially in the final stage. He noted that Hamlin’s restarts were consistently superior, and he effectively managed to control key scenarios on both the inside and outside lanes. Hamlin’s speed during short runs allowed him to gain a 10 to 15 car-length gap, which Byron found nearly insurmountable during those decisive moments.
Despite some advantages for Byron on long runs, the window to recover was simply not enough, as the short bursts of speed determined the ultimate separation between the two competitors during critical stages of the event.
Mentality Under Pressure and Handling Multiple Comebacks
Briscoe discussed the ongoing mindset required to stay competitive despite repeated setbacks and unscripted challenges. Citing personal history with remarkable comebacks, Briscoe underscored his refusal to give up and the unpredictable nature of NASCAR races, where a single caution or strategic call can rewrite the outcome within moments.
“Just stay in it. My whole career has been never give up, you never know what can happen. I feel like I race with that. I’ve had it multiple times throughout my career where you cannot give up in these races.”
He referenced earlier career moments, such as being multiple laps down yet rallying for strong finishes, to illustrate the importance of resilience at every stage.
The Uncertainty of Future Chances and Championship Contention
The conversation turned toward perspectives on the future, with both Byron and Briscoe reflecting on their standing as young contenders. They acknowledged that while youth may suggest future opportunities, nothing is assured in motorsports. Byron in particular made it clear he avoids thinking too far ahead, believing each moment in contention could conceivably be his last shot at a championship victory.
“I don’t look at it that way. I just look at it this could be your last opportunity. I don’t think really ahead in terms of what’s down the road. I mean, I’d love to be in this opportunity again. You never know how things are going to work out.” – William Byron
Briscoe concurred, highlighting the volatile nature of sponsorship, performance, and team fortunes. His previous experience with Stewart-Haas Racing demonstrated how quickly fortunes can shift, providing a cautionary backdrop to any long-term plans in the sport.
“Yeah, I mean, I would say the same. I mean, this is my first year at JGR, right? Hopefully we continue to be one of the elite teams. But it can change at any point. You don’t know this could be your last one. Hopefully I can be in a lot more championship situations.”
“You’re never guaranteed anything in this sport. Especially from a speed standpoint, everything else. SHR, my rookie year, the year before they won 17 Cup races, then the downfall happened. You never know when that light switch can be.”
Both drivers voiced that chances at a championship can vanish swiftly, emphasizing the need to treat every shot as potentially singular.
Lessons Learned and Reflections on Personal Performance
When reflecting on whether valuable lessons were drawn from the demanding week and the unique stressors of championship racing, Briscoe stated that the buildup felt little different from a typical race weekend. However, he acknowledged the pain of leaving Phoenix uncertain if another opportunity would arise.
Both Byron and Briscoe walked away from the experience with no regrets regarding effort and commitment. Briscoe, in particular, was satisfied with his driving, even as he acknowledged the bitterness of the outcome.
“Yeah, I mean, I know when I lay my head down tonight, I feel like I did my job to the best of my ability. Yeah, I’m happy I know with my effort. Obviously I would have loved for things to go different.”
“Yeah, I felt like that was one of the best Cup races I’ve ran, for sure.” – Chase Briscoe
“Yeah, I think you put everything into it, like he said. Yeah, I felt like we were deserving to run where we were. So yeah.” – William Byron
These reflections emphasized the drivers’ ability to compartmentalize disappointment and find a sense of pride in their approach to the demanding Phoenix environment.
Looking Ahead: Significance of the Phoenix Race in the 2025 NASCAR Season
The candid exchange provided by the William Byron Phoenix interview underscores how fleeting success and opportunity remain even for the sport’s most promising competitors. Phoenix served as a crucible, testing the mettle and mindset of young contenders against the volatility of tire issues, strategic gambles, and the relentless demands of a championship fight.
As the season closes, William Byron, Chase Briscoe, and their teams—representing organizations like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing—carry away not only the lessons of perseverance and focus but also the reality that in NASCAR, each season brings new uncertainty. Their honest reflections serve as valuable insight into how drivers process both the frustration of loss and the pride of effort, setting the stage for their continued pursuit of excellence in future campaigns.
